Community Service Learning

Course Information

Program Overview

The Community Service Learning (CSL) fuses community service and academic inquiry, simultaneously creating memorable educational experiences for the student and valuable service to the greater Worcester community. CSL courses are offered in a variety of disciplines and integrate course materials with experiential learning in a community setting as students seek to gain a greater understanding of societal issues. Assumption students can choose to minor in CSL or simply take individual courses to gain a better understanding of the world around them.

Through CSL classes, students experience a unique opportunity to participate in and learn about the complexity of the social, economic, political, and cultural world and to think in original ways about the substantive problems in society. They build important skills through observation, exploration, critical analysis and action-oriented research in a multicultural setting. They work with others as team to achieve a common goal and find the fulfillment of contributing their talents and skills to impact the lives of others.

CSL is a reflection of Assumption’s commitment to service and social justice.

Service Opportunities

In recent years, CSL students have loged more than 3,000 hours of service per semester. They work in a variety of settings throughout Worcester helping (among others):

Minor

The Community Service Learning (CSL) minor requires a minimum of six (6) interdisciplinary courses. The minor requires 125 hours of combined service; hours through CSL courses, the Reach Out Center, and SEND trips all count toward that total. In many circumstances, this is accomplished in conjunction with Assumption's Reach Out Center, which coordinates students volunteer activities around Worcester.

Degree Requirements

The Community Service Learning (CSL) minor requires a minimum of six (6) courses, some of which students may take to fulfill their major, minor or general education requirements. The minor requires 125 hours of combined service; hours through CSL courses, the Reach Out Center, and SEND trips all count toward that total.

Electives

Five (5) courses, approved by the CSL Director, taken from at least 3 disciplines using the following guidelines:

At least three (3) courses with with CSL designation. (This may include one internship or practicum, depending on the nature of the placement site.)

At least one course focusing on social issues. Examples include: Literature of Social Responsibility, Economics and the Family, African-American Literature, Colonial Latin American History, Urban Politics, Sociology of Urban Life.

This may include one (1) internship or practicum.

The student may also include one theology or philosophy course

Capstone Course

Seminar in Service Learning

This interdisciplinary course combines readings, critical thinking and analysis, and community service as students are encouraged to explore the connections between ideas and experience. Students engaged in 45 hours of community service throughout the semester and pursue a research project of their choice. The culmination of the seminar is a research paper and a formal presentation.

Volunteer Service

Students must complete 125 hours of combined service; hours through CSL courses, the Reach Out Center, and SEND trips all count toward that total. The Assumption College Reach Out Center coordinates volunteer opportunities throughout the Worcester area.

Faculty

Faculty choose to participate in the Community Service Learning program and design their CSL classes to increase awareness of societal issues and how individuals can take their knowledge and skills to improve society. The faculty and classes can change year to year, but the strong commitment to this type of learning is reflective of the Assumption community overall. All faculty listed here have taught a CSL class.

ENG 225/SOC 225 Literature of Social Responsibility: Community Service Learning

ENG 387 African-American Literature

HIS 250 Colonial Latin American History

IDS 250 Individual Income Tax Assistance

IDS 425 Seminar in Service Learning

POL 325 Urban Politics

SOC 206 Sociology of Urban Life

Other electives must be approved by the CSL director.

A sample of previous CSL course offerings

ANT 131 Cultural Anthropology

CLT/HIS/PSY/SOC 285, Women’s Studies I: Images

ECO 399 Economics Research Seminar

EDU 365 Teaching Students with Special Needs

ENG 202 Introduction to Journalism

ENG/THE 265 Introduction to Peace Studies

ENG/SOC 225 Literature of Social Responsibility

ENG 308 Writing and Editing

ENG 415 Seminar in Writing and Mass Communications

HIS 115G The West and the World II

HON 101 Global Perspectives

HON 200 Honors Service Project Seminar

HRS 119 Introduction to Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

IDS 250 Individual Income Tax Assistance

MGT 311 Diversity in the Workforce

PHI 100 Introduction to Philosophy

SOC 121 Principles of Sociology

SPA 120 Conversation and Grammar Review

SPA 220 Spanish Conversation and Composition

SPA 401 Voice and Memory in CA Lit and Culture

THE 314 Wisdom & Psalms of Israel

Internships & Outcomes

Service Opportunities

CSL students work in a specific setting that allows them to apply their knowledge to benefit the community. The setting is determined by the faculty member to support the academic experience. The sites listed below are a sample of those associated with CSL classes. The Assumption Reach Out Center also has an extensive array of community service sites where students can volunteer based on their interest and schedule.